ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad celebrated Kisan Diwas also known as National Farmers Day at Chindanur Village, Chincholi Taluk, Karnataka on December 23, 2023 under SCSP. Kisan Diwas is celebrated on 23rd December every year to mark the Birth Anniversary of the 5th Prime Minister of India, Shri Choudhary Charan Singh.

Dr. S.K Bal, PC AICRPAM was the chief guest of the programme. As the part of programme, demonstration of spraying with drone was organised for the farmers. Dr. Ashish S Dhimate, Scientist (FMP) and Dr. R Adake, Principal Scientist (FMP) explained the farmers about the drone technology along with its application and benefits. Later on, spraying was demonstrated with drone in the farmers’ field. Farmer’s expressed their interest in training for the drone. Yellow sticky traps were also demonstrated in the farmer’s field. Dr. T V Prasad, Nodal Officer, SCSP explained the farmers about the advantages of sticky traps and urged the farmers to use these traps especially in vegetable crops. A

n interaction session was held after the demonstration. The chief guest of the programme, Dr. S.K Bal, PC AICRPAM explained the farmers about the importance of Kisan Diwas and urged the them to adopt innovative technologies to increase their income. Dr. T V Prasad, Nodal Officer, SCSP discussed about the various activities taken up under SCSP in the selected villages. He motivated the farmers to take part in different interventions taken up during the programmes. Dr. R Adake, Principal Scientist (FMP) interacted with the farmers and urged them to participate in the training programmes at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad. Dr. AGK Reddy Senior Scientist Horticulture made farmers aware about the vegetable garden and its benefits. Dr. Ashish S Dhimate, Scientist (FMP) addressed queries of the farmers related to drone and also invited farmers undergoing complete training in different mechanization aspects. Dr. Jagriti Rohit, Scientist (Agricultural Extension) discussed about FPO’s and its role in farmer’s welfare. She also initiated to form a Self Help Group (SHG) for women in the village. Farmer’s also discussed about their expectations from the programme. Vegetable Kits were distributed among the farmers during the programme. The programme was attended by about 150 farmers. The team for organising the Kisan Diwas consisted of Dr. T V Prasad, Nodal Officer, SCSP, Dr. R Adake, Principal Scientist (FMP). Dr. AGK Reddy Senior Scientist Horticulture, Dr. Ashish S Dhimate, Scientist (FMP), Dr. Jagriti Rohit, Scientist (Agricultural Extension) and Mr. Shailesh Borkar (YPI).